Reposition when necessary.
To plan for efficient workflow, your goal is to create a triangle between the stove, sink, and refrigerator. If you have a long, narrow galley kitchen, you can arrange the appliances in a U shape to create what many experts consider a perfect layout for a one-cook kitchen.
Though this may stretch the limits of the triangle, where none of the three appliances are more than nine feet away from another, you can move your refrigerator to a hallway or alcove near the kitchen. This will give you more space and less intrusion by family members who want to grab a drink while you are cooking.
Photo Credit: Houzz
Open up the space.
Especially in a condo, where you might not be able to add square footage, knocking down a wall will open up the kitchen and allow others to talk to you without disrupting your workflow. Or you can cut away part of a wall to create a pass through or open counter between the kitchen and living area. This potentially provides additional seating, visibility into the kitchen, and the allusion of a larger space.
Photo Credit: Next Stage Design
Buy appliances to scale.
A 24” single bowl or corner-mount kitchen sink takes up less room than the standard 30-inch double model. Refrigerators are often 30” deep and 30” wide, but you can find them “counter depth” or 24”, the depth of standard cabinets, and 24” wide, if this size will store enough food for your family. Stoves are usually 30” wide, but you can find smaller sizes. When smaller works for you, you will gain more counter space and walking room.
Use available height.
By installing ceiling height cabinets, you can create more storage space where you can store seasonal and less frequently used items.
Photo Credit: Next Stage Design
Go light.
To avoid a closed-in feeling, paint walls and cabinets a light color, adding glass doors to cabinets or removing doors on some of the units to create open shelving. You can also add a mirrored backsplash behind the stove or sink.
Photo Credit: Houzz
Maximize what you have.
Retrofit your cabinets with roll-out shelves and lazy susans for easy access to what you use often. That way even the deeper corner pockets become space you can put to use.
Photo Credit: Houzz
Use light.
If you have windows that let in natural light, this will help brighten the kitchen. Well-placed fixtures and under-the-cabinet lighting can do the trick too.
Photo Credit: Next Stage Design
